Dr Sattar says MQM-P men being forced to change allegiance

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) head Dr Farooq Sattar on Saturday lamented that his party activists were being forced to change their allegiance.

Speaking to reporters after his appearance before an anti-terrorism court in cases related to Altaf Hussain’s incendiary speeches, he said efforts were underway to limit their political activities.

Cases were instituted against MQM-P leaders on the basis of the Aug 22 incendiary speech of Mr Hussain, so there was no point in pressing those charges after the leaders distanced themselves from the MQM founder, Dr Sattar said.

He hoped to get justice in the cases, and added new cases were being registered against his party men.

The MQM-P leader regretted that imprisoned MQM workers were not being meted out treatment according to jail manual and they were being forced to change party. “We reserve the right to launch agitation against forced switching of loyalties,” he cautioned.

He asked the Prime Minister and Interior Minister to take notice of MQM activists being implicated in criminal cases.

Taking a swipe at Pak Sarzameen Party (PSP), he said the party was formed to dry-clean outlaws. Referring to a MQM member from North Nazimabad town, Sohail Qureshi, joining PSP, he said Qureshi was forced to ditch his old party.